WindowLicka Posted May 26, 2016 Posted May 26, 2016 (edited) Forgive me if this has been brought up but the search engine isn't showing any red gum subjects. Let alone threads asking about alternate chemicals for red gum. I know it's only $10 a lb. I just was wondering what red gum does and if there are other chemicals that do the same.I do see it in a lot of compositions so could someone who knows explain what it is and what it does?Please? Edited May 26, 2016 by WindowLicka
Mumbles Posted May 26, 2016 Posted May 26, 2016 It's an organic fuel. It's occasionally used as a binder, but it's on the weaker side of things. It is soluble in alcohol and acetone, but not water. It itself is a natural tree resin harvested in Australia, and perhaps a few other places. I've been told it makes a nice wood stain if you don't plan to burn it. The closest and best replacement is probably phenolic resin. It however is a good binder. Another good replacement is Vinsol resin, which is produced domestically in the US from pine trees. Rosin and colophony are also occasional replacements. Shellac is related, but not quite a direct replacement all the time. There are a few other related items, but they're often even harder to find and more expensive.
OldMarine Posted May 26, 2016 Posted May 26, 2016 Here's a good thread on this subject. http://www.amateurpyro.com/forums/topic/7166-shellac-instead-of-red-gum/
WindowLicka Posted May 27, 2016 Author Posted May 27, 2016 Excellent description that's exactly what I was looking for. I have another question on a unrelated topic and was unsure if I Should ask it here or start a new thread and I chose to just ask it here. It has to do with working with chlorinated rubber, does it need to be bonded to the other chemicals for it work or would it work in say a fountain composition just sifted,mixed,and pressed together? Because my greens aren't any greener when using it in the way I described. Just wondering.
OldMarine Posted May 28, 2016 Posted May 28, 2016 I've seen plenty of comps that include Parlon but use dextrin as the binder so the Parlon isn't dissolved into the comp.
FlaMtnBkr Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 Greens are actually one of the harder colors to get working well. What formula are you using?
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